Penicillamine and the SLE syndrome.

Penicillamine-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and penicillamine-immune complex nephritis are histologically and serologically distinct. One hundred and twenty patients with Wilson's disease treated with penicillamine have been analyzed. Eight developed the serologic changes of SLE; in 4, it was necessary to discontinue treatment. In addition, 6 patients developed immune complex nephritis, which necessitated discontinuing treatment. All but 1 have since been managed on triethylene tetramine 2HCl (Trien).